Vivarium (2019) is a psychological horror science fiction film directed by Lorcan Finnegan, based on a story by Finnegan and Garret Shanley. The film is a chilling exploration of confinement and existential dread, featuring a unique and unsettling premise. It is a collaboration between Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium, starring Imogen Poots, Jesse Eisenberg, Jonathan Aris, and Éanna Hardwicke. Vivarium blends elements of horror and sci-fi to create a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking film that keeps the audience on edge from start to finish.

The plot centers around a young couple, Gemma (Imogen Poots) and Tom (Jesse Eisenberg), who are looking for a new home. They visit a suburban housing development, where they are shown a house by a mysterious real estate agent. However, when they attempt to leave, they find themselves trapped in an identical, labyrinthine neighborhood that seems to go on forever. The couple soon realizes they are unable to escape, and they are forced to confront the terrifying reality of their situation as they struggle to survive and make sense of the bizarre environment around them.

As the story unfolds, Vivarium explores the psychological toll of being trapped in a seemingly endless, sterile suburbia. The couple’s relationship begins to deteriorate as they face mounting stress, isolation, and an unnerving sense of hopelessness. The film plays with themes of monotony and entrapment, highlighting how the characters’ mental states unravel as they attempt to find meaning in a place that offers no answers. The couple’s situation becomes even more disturbing when they are presented with a mysterious child who is seemingly “born” into their care.

The child, who grows unnaturally fast, becomes a central figure in the film’s exploration of existential horror. As the child matures, it becomes clear that it is not a normal human being, but rather an unsettling presence that seems to control the couple’s fate. This child forces Gemma and Tom into a twisted cycle of care and dependency, pushing them to the brink of madness. The film presents this child as both a symbol of their imprisonment and a catalyst for their psychological breakdown, creating an atmosphere of constant unease.

The performances of Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg are central to the success of Vivarium. Poots portrays Gemma as a woman who slowly loses her sense of agency and sanity as the situation becomes more dire, while Eisenberg brings a sense of anxiety and desperation to his role as Tom. Together, they create a compelling portrayal of a couple struggling to maintain their humanity in an increasingly unnatural and hostile environment. The performances are subtle yet intense, perfectly capturing the emotional and psychological tension at the heart of the film.

Visually, Vivarium is striking in its use of color and set design. The identical houses and sterile, green suburban landscape create a disorienting and claustrophobic atmosphere. The repetitive, almost dreamlike quality of the setting reinforces the feeling of entrapment and disillusionment, while the use of artificial lighting and shadows heightens the sense of dread. The film’s minimalist aesthetic serves to amplify its psychological horror, as the characters’ isolation is reflected in the cold, lifeless world around them.

In conclusion, Vivarium is a gripping and thought-provoking psychological thriller that explores the darkest corners of human nature, fear, and existential crisis. Through its unsettling premise, strong performances, and atmospheric direction, it offers a unique take on the horror and sci-fi genres. The film forces its viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about identity, control, and the meaning of existence, all while maintaining a sense of tension and suspense throughout. Vivarium is a haunting and unforgettable experience that lingers long after the credits roll.